The MetroStars traded F Ante Razov to Chivas USA for F Thiago Martins and a portion of an allocation, believed to be worth more than $65,000. That, along with getting the 31-year-old’s hefty salary – between $220,000 and $240,000 – will give the club the salary-cap relief it needed to go out and acquire a striker.

Martins’ small $42,500 salary is non-guaranteed. He’ll come to camp, which opens tomorrow, having to earn a spot. The two questions are whether disgruntled MF Amado Guevara – who has demanded a trade – shows up, and who will replace Razov.

The club should announce a deal with 19-year-old French MF Elie Ikangu, and a Portuguese midfielder as well.